Planting a Forest to fight pollution in Sofia

Summary

Sofia is Europe's most polluted capital and World Health Organization alarmed that Bulgaria ranks second in the world in terms of deaths due to air pollution. We want to buy neglected urban land and plant an Urban Forest to restore the green passes that lead the fresh air from the mountain to the city.

Challenge

Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria is Europe's most polluted capital. Decades of wrong urban planning eliminated the green belts and passes of the city, gave priority to cars and neglected the air quality. City's position in a valley between mountains helps aggregate pollution all-year-round. The WHO alarmed that Bulgaria ranks second in terms of deaths due to air pollution. Sofia hosts a quarter of the country population today and is not becoming any healthier.

Solution

We will buy neglected urban land and plant an Urban Forest to restore a green pass that brings the fresh air from the mountain, process CO2 and provide local people with an island of green space. Per our Foundation's Constitution and local laws this land will always be an Urban Forest - created as such by the will of donors its purpose cannot be changed in time. The Urban Forest is eagerly expected by Sofia citizens to not only improve the air quality but also provide a place for walks and play.

Long-Term Impact

A tree can absorb on average 1 ton of carbon dioxide throughout its life. Besides this, it reduces the noise pollution, meliorates the soils, adds to biodiversity and helps regulate the temperatures. Most of all, we will use the project as a sample to continue the work on restoring the green passes in the city. After the first Urban Forest our initiative will grow to a 5-year campaign in Sofia "Plant one million trees".

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